Welcome to Denakkanaaga

About Denakkanaaga

Denakkanaaga, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that serves as the voice for Native Elders in the Doyon, Limited and Tanana Chiefs Conference regions of Interior Alaska.

Denakkanaaga is a Koyukon-Athabascan word which means “Our People Speak”.

As Native Elders speak out on social and cultural issues, passing on their traditions, language, skills, stories and values, Denakkanaaga acts on their behalf by following up on directives set forth by them.

2018 Denakkanaaga Elders and Youth Conference and Annual Meeting

The 2018 Denakkanaaga Elders and Youth Conference and Annual Meeting were held June 12 – 14 in Tanacross, Alaska. A record number of participants and delegates from Interior Alaska’s 42 tribal councils attended the gathering. Officials from various Interior Native organizations attended the meeting including Doyon, Limited, Tanana Chiefs Conference, Fairbanks Native Association, and Interior Regional Housing Authority. Representatives for Senator Murkowski and Senator Sullivan were also in attendance. The theme of the conference was “Native Traditions and Values – Our Foundation in Challenging Times.” Denakkanaaga First Chief Luke Titus says the theme “reflects the belief by Denakkanaaga elders that Native people need to rely on their values and traditions to address the various political and social issues currently facing them.”

One major focus at the conference was discussing generational trauma and ways to heal from it. A healing ceremony was held after presentations on the topic; at which time traditional Native beaded necklaces made by elders were given to participants.

On the third and last day of the gathering, the Denakkanaaga Annual Meeting was held. Delegates elected Jack Wholecheese of Huslia to fill the Yukon-Koyukuk Seat B on the Denakkanaaga Board until 2020. Youth delegates elected Brooke Demientieff of Holy Cross as the new Denakkanaaga board youth representative for a one year term.

Immediately following the annual meeting the Denakkanaaga Board of Directors met and re-elected Luke Titus of Minto as First Chief, Anna Frank as Second Chief and Patricia Salmon as Secretary/Treasurer.

Thank You Conference Sponsors!Denakkanaaga thanks the following 2018 Elders and Youth Conference sponsors who generously support our elders and youth: